I decided to use one of my volunteering days this year to support the Trussell Trust who were holding a collection day at my local Tesco store in Allerton, Liverpool. A group of us spent the day helping the charity collect much-needed food bank donations. 

Reason to Volunteer?

"In the current crisis it’s clear that more and more people are having to rely on foodbanks. I wanted to volunteer to support those in my local community who are facing a tough winter"

How I spent my volunteer time?

"The day was divided into three main tasks:

• Greeting shoppers, telling them about the collection and handing out a list of the most needed items
• Receiving donations and thanking customers
• Sorting items into crates for collection by the charity throughout the day

My favourite part was greeting people and chatting to them about the collection. I often shop in the store and while there is a permanent foodbank collection box by the exit, it’s easy to miss. Having volunteers at the entrance definitely made a big difference to the amount collected. It also meant the charity was more likely to receive the most useful items (tinned food, tea, coffee, long-life milk, and toiletries)."

Outcome/results/impact?

"Throughout the day we collected and packed a fantastic 78 crates to be distributed to foodbanks throughout South Liverpool, and the supermarket I was at collected 2734kgs of food over 3 days!

On a personal level it was great to make a connection with the charity we are partnered with for the next 2 years. It was rewarding to see how our efforts made a difference and I hope to volunteer for the Trussell Trust again in the future"